Expect Texas-Sized Hospitality When You Fly Into Dallas

They say everything’s bigger in Texas. Anyone traveling to Dallas can expect a heaping helping of hospitality. It does not hurt to pack your cowboy boots, either. Known for down-home graciousness and southwestern elegance, Dallas area hotels are among the best in the world.

Dallas: More Than A Soap Opera From the 1980s

When most people think of Dallas, the 1980s soap opera of that name remains a familiar reference. Although you can still tour the Southfork Ranch of Hollywood fame, the location is far removed from the city itself. Best of all, Dallas is much more exciting than any soap opera.

Whether you are in search of world-class shopping, cultural festivities, or a sampling of Dallas’s decidedly southwestern cuisine, there’s never a dull moment in this city.

Located in North Texas, Dallas is situated within a couple of hours of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. It is remarkably flat, but from atop the landmark Reunion Tower, you can see 30 miles in every direction on a clear day. Plan to visit the spinning restaurant at night, where you are treated to sparkling lights and a sprawling metropolis.

Flying Into the Big D on the Cheap

Dallas offers two airports, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL). DFW is the larger of the two airports as well as the fourth largest airport in the nation. It handles major traffic and is the largest hub for the Dallas-headquartered American Airlines. If you are flying American Airlines, it is easy getting direct flights to Dallas-Fort Worth.

In recent years, Dallas Love Field has downgraded to more of a regional airport. Things are changing, though. Many airlines such as Southwest Airlines* offer discount flights to Dallas from all across the country. Love Field is more convenient to Dallas from Houston. Otherwise, travelers must fly into the more remote DFW. DFW is 15 miles from Dallas, whereas Love Field is only five miles.

Hipmunk takes the agony out of figuring out where to land. You can search both airports to determine which one offers the cheapest airfare. Hint: it’s not always Dallas Love Field.

Getting Around Dallas: A Survival Guide

Dallas is very spread out. Although there are reliable buses and trains, it is best to rent a car for your visit. You can travel up to 20 minutes by car to get from your hotel to the hot new eatery. Taxis are available, but they are not economical for Texas-sized distances.

If you do not want to drive, book a hotel in Uptown or the North Dallas area of Addison, which offers shuttle service. The service is limited to a five-mile radius. Still if you choose a hotel in these areas, you’ll definitely be close to the action.

Where To Go Around Dallas

Shopaholics, be sure to visit the Dallas Galleria and NorthPark malls for a high-end shopping experience that includes Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York, and Neiman Marcus. After you hit those fine retailers, check out their outlets at Grapevine Mills for outrageous discounts of up to 90% off.

When it comes to eating, Dallas has more restaurants per capita than New York City. You will never be able to eat at every single restaurant in Dallas, but you can have fun trying. Would you like to try soul food? Sweet Georgia Brown’s in South Dallas offers some of the best in the nation. And what trip to Dallas is complete without steak? Visit Al Biernet’s on Oak Lawn Avenue for the perfect filet.

Dallas offers a fusion of many different cultures. The city celebrates diversity with its annual St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and Juneteenth festivals. Dallas is also fun for fans of football, basketball, golf, and hockey. Take in a game while visiting.

Best Time To Visit

Do not go to Dallas in July if you can help it. Temperatures in Dallas can spike well over the 100-degree mark. Even worse, they stay that way for weeks at a time. Also, avoid going in January. That is when buyers and sellers from around the world come to the annual Market show. If you are visiting during the month of October, plan ahead. Dallas hosts the wildly popular Texas-Oklahoma game then. During this weekend, hotels around the area are sold out and have been for months ahead of time.

The best time to visit Dallas is in the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the outdoor activities are plentiful. Stop by Pioneer Plaza for a one-of-a-kind photo op next to the bronze cattle drive. Also worth visiting in milder months is the largest zoo in Texas, the Dallas Zoo.